Elevated Concentrations of Neurofilament Light Chain in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Bipolar Disorder Patients

Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by mood swings between manic and depressive states. The etiology and pathogenesis of BD is unclear, but many of the affected cognitive domains, as well as neuroanatomical abnormalities, resemble symptoms and signs of small vessel disease. In small vessel disease, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers reflecting damages in different cell types and subcellular structures of the brain have been established. Hence, we hypothesized that CSF markers related to small vessel disease may also be applicable as biomarkers for BD. To investigate this hypothesis, we sampled CSF from 133 patients with BD and 86 healthy controls. The concentrations of neurofilament light chain (NF-L), myelin basic protein (MBP), S100B, and heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) were measured in CSF and analyzed in relation to diagnosis, clinical characteristics, and ongoing medications. Hereby we found an elevation of the marker of subcortical axonal damage, NF-L, in bipolar subjects. We also identified positive associations between NF-L and treatment with atypical antipsychotics, MBP and lamotrigine, and H-FABP and lithium. These findings indicate axonal damage as an underlying neuropathological component of bipolar disorder, although the clinical value of elevated NF-L remains to be validated in follow-up studies. The associations between current medications and CSF brain injury markers might aid in the understanding of both therapeutic and adverse effects of these drugs.     

Do patients with chronic rhinosinusitis benefit from consultation with an ENT-doctor?

Conclusion: By consulting an ENT-doctor, patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), in the general population, receive disease information and adjustment of treatment which can improve disease-specific Quality-of-Life and may improve objective measurements. Objectives: This study aims to follow persons with clinical diagnosed CRS from the general population, to evaluate their benefit from consultation with an ENT-doctor in terms of severity of symptoms and Quality-of-Life. Methods: As part of a trans-European study, selected respondents to a survey questionnaire were invited for a clinical visit. Based on the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps, persons were diagnosed with CRS and followed for 2 years. Quality-of-Life was measured using the Sino Nasal Outcome Test 22 and European Quality-of-Life – 5 Dimensions. Clinical examination included rhinoscopy, acoustic rhinometry, peak nasal inspiratory flow, smell test, and skin prick test. Results: Out of 91 persons with CRS, only 42% had previously consulted an ENT-doctor, and 51% were in current treatment for CRS. Most patients were advised medical treatment and 20% underwent surgery. Disease-specific Quality-of-Life, peak nasal inspiratory flow, olfactory function, and the nasal volume significantly increased over the 2-year period.     

Lessons from whole-exome sequencing in MODYX families

We report the first results from whole-exome sequencing performed in families with Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young without a known genetic cause of diabetes (MODYX). This next generation sequencing technique pointed out that routine testing of MODY needs constant awareness and regular re-evaluation of both clinical criteria and primer sequences.     

Preschool teachers' views on competence in the context of home and preschool collaboration

The purpose of this article is to analyse and discuss preschool teachers' views regarding competence within their profession in the context of home and preschool collaboration. The question addressed is as follows: In what situations do preschool teachers perceive that their competence becomes visible for parents? The results, based on interviews with 30 preschool teachers, show that preschool teachers work consciously to draw attention to specific competencies related to children's learning and development and the preschool curriculum. The ability to establish dialogue with parents and gain their trust is seen as particularly important for establishing and maintaining collaboration between preschool and the home. Furthermore, the participants recognise that parents seek their competence in daily matters concerning the child's well-being. The competencies that preschool teachers emphasise and those they believe parents ask for do not, therefore, always coincide. The results of this study can contribute to a better understanding of the prerequisites for preschool–home collaboration.     

New Hits as Antagonists of GPR103 Identified by HTS

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